International exchange student - thinking about a Mac

So come fall, I'm starting classes @ Florida State uni. Being from the Netherlands I figured that it would probably be a lot cheaper to purchase a Laptop after I get to the States. Even though I've never owned a laptop before or worked on anything from Apple (besides my Nano ) I'm seriously considering getting myself a MacBook. I do however have a couple of question, I was hoping you could help me with.

- Even after the recent update, the specs on a MacBook seem a tad low...especially the gfx-option. Don't suppose there's any middle road? ( don't fancy spending 2000 bucks on basically just a better gfx-card on the MBP)

- If I buy a macbook in the States, obviously it's gonna have a different powercable and possible adapter. Once I get back home, can I just buy a new powercord or how does this work? (Is it just the plug that's different, or?)

- Is it me or is the studentdiscount offered by Apple rather meager? I've seen other manufacturers like Dell offer anywhere between 300 and 600 off on discounts.

- Being in Florida, I could see myself using my MacBook outside...will this be at all possible or will the glossy-screen (only option right?) prevent me from seeing anything?

- If I take the Ipod offer and want it engraved, can I still go to an apple store or is that only available online? And: Is Apple's 24hour shipping really mean, I'll have the MB the next day?

 

- Nope, no middle road unfortunately

- It is just a different plug, get other plugs and you can use the same adapter, I have used the same adapter in U.S., England and India, no problems.

- Apple does not offer substantial student discounts like the others. But on the other hand, I prefer the Apple way. With Dell, it is more like a lottery, you never know if you are getting a good deal or not. Also Dell and others expect to sell below the asking price, so if you look at price for non-students (after all the coupons) and the student price, there is not that big a difference.

- I don't see it as a problem but it is more about the personal preference

- I don't think they do engravings in the stores, at least they didn't when I bought mine.

- Apple is pretty good about shipping. However 24 hours probably means that they ship it out in 24 hours. Also if you buy it from your university store, no wait at all.